Access at the Museum

We want everyone to be able to enjoy our exhibitions and events, and we will be taking every measure to ensure that we are as open and accessible to as many people as possible. The museum’s layout is designed to be wheelchair accessible on both levels, and we are committed to supporting you during your visit.  If you have queries or require any assistance please contact the museum in advance of your visit on 01865 252334.

Two children listening at a post. One is wearing an orange backpack and the other is wearing a floral hat

Children enjoying the galleries and backpacks

Getting here

Accessible Parking

There are 3 disabled parking spaces on the High Street (opposite King Edward’s street). There are 90 spaces in total in the city centre.

There is also allocated parking at the Westgate car park, which has 50 Blue Badge bays (approx. 10-15 mins from the Museum) and at the Park & Ride car parks.

Please note that there are no drop-off points outside the Town Hall, where the Museum is situated.

Town Hall access

The main entrance has 8 steps and a handrail.

The accessible entrance is located at the front left of the venue.

There is a ramped/sloped access at this entrance and an intercom (102cm high). Members of the public must use the intercom to speak to a member of staff so that they can open the second set of doors. There is a third set of doors that open automatically towards you via a push pad which allow you to go down the corridor to reception.

Museum access

Inside the Museum there is a platform lift to access a small level change in the first gallery.

There is also a lift to take visitors down to the Museum Makers and Learning Studio.

During your visit

I need some help

If you need assistance during your visit, staff members and volunteers will be able to help you:

  • Volunteers and staff wear lanyards with their names on them and some also carry a yellow walkie-talkie
  • You can also ask for assistance at the Gift Shop or at the Town Hall reception
  • We have a wheelchair you can use during your visit if required – please ask at the Town Hall reception

Quieter times

Please note, quieter times will vary. If you have any queries or concerns please get in touch with the museum team via email or phone. Contact information is provided at the bottom of this page.

  • The Museum can sometimes be crowded and noisy
  • The quietest times to visit the Museum are at 10am when the Museum is opened and late afternoon between 3-5pm
  • Mondays are usually our quietest days during the school term
  • The middle of the day is usually the busiest time in the Museum & Town Hall
  • Our busiest days are at weekends, during school holidays, bank holidays, and at Christmas and the New Year
  • The quietest time of the year tends to be December

Alarms

It’s unlikely that an alarm will sound during your visit. If one does, please don’t worry – follow any instructions you are given by members of staff and make your way to the nearest exit.

Guide and assistance animals

  • Guide, therapy and assistant animals – including assistant dogs in training – are welcome at the Museum, as long as they’re working and are wearing their tabards/harness
  • Owners should bring the animal’s assistance identification book (or the appropriate international equivalent) with them
  • Guide and assistant animals must be kept with you at all times

Large print guides

Large print versions of the labels in the galleries are available in the pockets underneath or beside the exhibition.

Visual story

You may find a visual story to help support your visit. This includes information about accessing the museum, facilities and our galleries. Find our visual story here.

Toilets

There is a wheelchair accessible toilet on the ground floor of the Town Hall (follow this link for photos and further information).

https://www.accessable.co.uk/oxford/oxford-city-council/access-guides/oxford-town-hall

There is also a wheelchair accessible toilet on the basement floor of the Museum of Oxford, next to the Museum Makers and Learning Studio. There are also gender neutral toilets on the basement floor of MOX.

Baby change

There is a baby changing cubical on the ground floor of the Town Hall and on the basement floor of MOX.

Breastfeeding

We support breastfeeding in all our public spaces. However, if you would feel more comfortable in a private area, please ask at the Gift Shop and we’ll do our best to find you a quiet place.

Hearing/Induction Loop

There is an induction loop in the Gift Shop and it is available during tours, talks and other sessions. Please let the MOX team know if you require it on the day.

Places to sit

There are benches in both galleries, and chairs with/without arms in the Museum Makers and Learning Studio.

Events and resources

We offer sensory resources for anyone to borrow while exploring the Museum. These are available from Gift Shop, free of charge.

What we have:

  • Ear defenders
  • Reading rulers of various colours
  • Jumbo timers
  • Sand timers
  • Torches
  • Magnifying glasses
  • Animal puppets
  • Fidget toys
  • Weighted lap blankets for children – please ask if you would like to borrow one
  • PECS cards (if you would like to download and print out the PECS cards at home, please click here)

We run dementia-friendly sessions, offer our staff and volunteers dementia-friendly training sessions and can offer touch tours for blind or partially sighted adults and children. Please look at our What’s On page for further details for upcoming events. If you would like to book a touch or signed tour please email: museum@oxford.gov.uk.